JAKARTA – The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), under the leadership of Chairman Erick Thohir, is adopting a deliberate and cautious approach in selecting new coaches for the Indonesian national teams, encompassing both youth categories and the senior squad. Thohir underscored the federation’s preference for a successor possessing comprehensive coaching credentials, spanning from the U-17 level all the way to the senior team. Ideally, these new appointments are expected to surpass the capabilities of previous prominent figures like Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert.
“We envision coaches with a complete coaching strata, covering U-17, U-20, U-23, and senior levels,” Erick stated in Jakarta on Friday, October 24, 2025. He further elaborated that the PSSI is meticulously analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both Shin Tae-yong (STY) and Patrick Kluivert (PK) to ensure future appointments lead to greater improvement. Thohir expressed confidence, adding, “God willing, during their tenure here, the federation has provided the utmost support.”
Regarding the recent coaching changes, Erick affirmed that the termination of Patrick Kluivert’s contract and that of his coaching staff was a result of mutual agreement. He emphasized this decision as a professional step, carefully considered with the long-term trajectory of player development in mind. “We mutually agreed to terminate the contract,” Erick reiterated, acknowledging the immense challenge, “Qualifying for the World Cup is never easy, but this outcome was reached by mutual consent.”
Currently, the PSSI is channeling its focus towards the upcoming FIFA Matchday in November, which will serve as crucial trial matches for the U-23 national team under the guidance of Indra Sjafri, as they prepare for the SEA Games 2025. Erick assured unwavering support from the federation, encompassing everything from schedule arrangements to the call-up of promising diaspora players such as Adrian Wibowo, Marselino Ferdinan, Mauro Zijlstra, Ivar Jenner, and others. “We will back Indra Sjafri wholeheartedly during the FIFA Matchday fixtures,” Erick declared, adding, “It is entirely possible that we will deploy our finest available players.”
In a related assessment, Erick also lauded Coach Nova Arianto, who currently helms the U-17 National Team, recognizing him as one of Indonesia’s premier local coaches.
Seizing the opportunity, Erick took a moment to caution the public against falling prey to counter-productive issues and pervasive hoaxes circulating on social media. “We maintain complete transparency,” he asserted, “but misinformation is unacceptable. The media plays a vital role in developing our football and upholding the truth.”
Erick additionally addressed the prevalent issue of online bullying directed at coaches and players, acknowledging its significant psychological impact on young athletes, including Marselino Ferdinan. He affirmed that the PSSI is committed to taking decisive measures to safeguard them. “I urge all parties to be protective; our young players deserve better,” Erick appealed. “While constructive criticism is welcome, racism and discrimination are fundamentally against our national character. I have already advised our U-17 players to temporarily disengage from social media, as I am concerned they may not be resilient enough to handle the intense pressure.”
The PSSI Chairman further clarified that the national football blueprint, extending until 2034, remains steadfast and unaltered. This comprehensive plan encompasses tiered development programs and the continuous growth of players abroad. Thohir also expressed openness to new coaching candidates who can seamlessly synchronize with the existing age-group development structure. “The incoming coach must be willing to integrate with the U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams,” he explained. “We aspire for a singular vision to ensure our development programs proceed in a coordinated and simultaneous manner.”
Despite ongoing speculation, Erick firmly asserted that as of now, there have been no official discussions with any potential coaching candidates. The PSSI is still in the preliminary exploration phase, diligently seeking to identify a coach whose philosophy and character perfectly align with the federation’s long-term vision. “There has been no contact with prospective coaches yet,” he confirmed. “Our priority is to manage public perception responsibly and to concentrate on consolidating our players, both domestically and those playing overseas.”
Erick concluded his remarks on an optimistic note, expressing confidence that the future of Indonesian football remains firmly on the right track. “We deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions made by Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert,” he acknowledged. “Our current imperative is to find a coach who can build upon their legacy, delivering even better results with clear short-term and long-term objectives.”
Summary
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir outlined a deliberate approach to selecting new coaches for all Indonesian national teams, from U-17 to the senior squad. The federation seeks candidates with comprehensive credentials, aiming for improvements beyond figures like Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, whose departure was by mutual agreement. New coaches must integrate with PSSI’s existing age-group development structure, aligned with the national football blueprint until 2034.
Currently, PSSI is focusing on supporting Indra Sjafri for the U-23 national team’s FIFA Matchday preparations for the SEA Games 2025, including calling up diaspora players. Thohir also addressed public concerns, urging protection for young athletes against misinformation and online bullying. He confirmed that PSSI is still in the preliminary exploration phase for new coaching candidates, with no official discussions held yet.